Choosing a school without an observation?

[NoraC]

Here we are in the middle of July and contemplating a move to another part of the country. We are checking into several schools in the areas we'd like to live and have some appointments set up to see them. unfortunately, we would not be able to observe at all since school is not currently in session.

Would you choose a school without having done an observation?

I'm having a hard time thinking about making a decision without observing, but I worry that I wouldn't secure places for all our children (there's 3) if I don't commit. Already, two of the schools we were considering can't accommodate all of us and another requires the children to attend different campuses (but they could transfer to be together in a year or two).

I don't know that Sept observations would give me much insight (new students at the 3 - 6 level) though the elementary would probably if the students are continuing on. But again, delaying the decision could mean the spaces we require fill. Some schools will offer a tuition refund but I really dislike the thought of enrolling my children and moving them after a week or two...moving them now is difficult enough!

Any thoughts?

[mamalemon]

Originally Posted by NoraC

I don't know that Sept observations would give me much insight (new students at the 3 - 6 level) though the elementary would probably if the students are continuing on.?

Even if the classes were not well established yet, you would be able to observe the teachers, which I think is the most important thing. A good teacher is easy to spot even in a new classroom.

I wouldn't be happy about enrolling without observation first, but you do what you have to. Is there an online discussion group for your new city where you can ask for recommendations? You can also try your city's Craiglist or a parenting group through Meetup.com or YahooGroups to try to get more info from locals.

[Koloe]

Honestly, I haven't observed any classrooms for the school my DD is registered for this fall. We went to the open house and meet many of the teachers and some of the parents. We went to their year end picnic and saw kids and their parents and the teachers interacting. But then, there is only one choice in my community that is Montessori that I know of for 3-year-olds.

[KBecks]

Well, I normally wouldn't want to enroll w/o a visit. But in the circumstances of a long distance move, you are in a different kind of situation. I would ask a lot of questions about the school, and also do a lot of research online -- one thing that helped me was there is a local parents message board form in the area community I live in, and I went online there and found parents of kids in our school to email with, etc. etc. etc.

I'd also take a good look at the contracts and if I had enough good vibes about the school, heard enough good things from parents of students and the contracts allowed us to not lose a lot of money if it didn't work for us, then I would probably do it. Assuming your other alternatives are not as appealing.

First you have to find out for sure what your move status is, of course.

Good luck!!!

[bobandjess99]

i second it..you really have no choice....I also enrolled dd in a school for fall with no observation..the reason? The school is just starting this year......until the first day of school in 3 weeks, there is nowhere TO observe, and spots had to be secured back in March....

[NoraC]

Thanks everyone. it seems that it may be possible to enroll an then withdraw a few weeks into the school year (as long as there is space at another school) though this wouldn't be my first choice.

We've toured through two schools now and I have noticed that I got a better idea of the "flavour" or "culture" of the school from the principal (vs an administrator). Interestingly, there seem to be a wide array of "Montessori" schools so the internet has been helpful in weeding out some that just don't seem to be quite what we're looking for.

I will check into online discussion ... here and elsewhere... good idea. Thanks.